Nutrition for HIV and AIDS Patients

It is not the end of the world if you have been diagnosed positive for HIV or AIDS. The treatments that you are going through will demand a lot from your body, physically and mentally. It is therefore important that you eat well to maintain your energy levels and help your body to fight back.

You will experience symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and loss of appetite during the treatment. This does not help as most of the food you eat, is lost and your body retains very little nourishment. The treatment also affects your digestive system and in most cases leas to rapid weight loss. In severe cases patients are fed through a tube if the nutrients are not being absorbed by the body.

Persons diagnosed with HIV or AIDS must be given a diet rich in protein. This can be gained from eggs, fish and meats, tofu, nuts and legumes. The protein intake should compromise about 15 to 20% of the daily diet. 50 % of the diet must comprise of carbohydrates that can be gained from corn, potatoes and root vegetables. Fats are required to maintain energy levels. Make sure that all food is cooked in coconut oil or sunflower oil. Avoid animal fats as far as possible. Fiber is required to regulate digestion and healthy doses of fiber can be received from apples, pears, oranges, legumes and nuts.

It is important that a person going through treatment for AIDS or HIV eats a well balanced diet. They may feel the urge to eat foods that are high in sodium and fats; however this is not a healthy option. Start the day with a glass of orange juice or any other fiber based fruit juice, a glass of milk or a cup of coffee with a sandwich and a bowl of cereal. During the day snacks must be offered every 2 to 3 hours. This helps to maintain energy levels.

Lunch must be carbohydrate based and heavy if possible and if the treatment permits. Dinner must be protein based in order to be able to rest well at night. Proteins also help to ease restlessness and reduce sleepless nights. Eating rice at night is not permitted. Bread is a healthy option. Offer the patient tomatoes in soup and salad forms. Tomatoes are a rich source of anti oxidants that are good for the body.

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